The Business and Practice of Law: Five Emerging Legal Trends to Watch

Law firms are dynamic and ever-changing, as is the marketplace for legal services. That being said, in my capacity as the Los Angeles Office Managing Partner at Michelman & Robinson, LLP, I am hyper aware of shifting behaviors and technological advancements that move the needle relative to the business and practice of law.

With 2022 fast approaching, I have identified five trends emerging within the legal industry that will shape law firm operations, recruitment and the client experience in the new year. The good news is that M&R has been well ahead of the curve when it comes to all of them, allowing the firm to differentiate itself among its peers, Big Law included, here in L.A. and throughout the country. (Read More) 

Federal Anti-Discrimination Law Extends to LGBTQ Employees

The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered great news to the LGBTQ community nationwide. In this week’s landmark decision captioned Bostock v. Clayton County, the high court ruled that federal law—namely, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—prohibits employment discrimination against LGBTQ workers. To that point, Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the 6-3 majority, stated, “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates [the law].” (Read More)

Adapting to a Changing Legal Landscape: Generation Y Attorneys

The law firm is one of the last bastions of the traditional workplace, and arguably diametrically opposed to many of Generation Y's values and work habits. Legal practice has enjoyed a rich tradition, valuing a clear hierarchical structure and the notion of 'paying one's dues,' while the Generation Y workforce emphasizes innovation, individualized goals and ambitions, and flexible work schedules. Generation Y attorneys are often criticized for entitled attitudes and 'lazy' work ethics.